Not all verbs need an object. When there is one, the object normally comes after the verb phrase. Some verbs may also need an indirect object. See also The declarative.

Hamish gaveme a party invitation.

Ruth gaveLauren a nice bunch of flowers.

An adverbial, or adjunct, which is an optional part of the sentence.

This may be:

a single word, an adverb.

Suddenly, it started to rainheavily.

an adverbial phrase, a group of words that functions as an adverb.

In the morning, the sky was clear.

You probably won’t notice itafter a while.

an adverbial clause, a group of words including a verb, which functions as an adverb.

I’ll get some biscuits for youwhen I’ve poured the drinks.

When I’ve poured the drinks, I’ll get some biscuits for you.

Mark playedwhile Isabel sang.

Though some adverbials have a fixed position, most can be added to a sentence in several places. Any number of them can be added, limited only by the sense of the sentence.

In the winter, the roads get very slippery.

The roads get very slipperyin the winter.

A complement. With certain verbs, such as be and seem, a complement takes the place of an object. A complement can be either an adjective or a noun phrase. Complements provide further descriptive detail about the subject. See also Complements.